burping a newborn?

Question

I know i should know this but do you burp a newborn after he eats?? and what is the best way if you do??

Answer 1

after feeding try laying baby on your lap face down to burp or on your shoulder by tapping lighly on the back

Answer 2

This is a fine question. Better to ask now than regret it later.

There are several ways to burp a baby. The most "traditional" way would be: lay a burp cloth or rag over your shoulder, position baby on your shoulder, using the crook of your arm to support her and pat on the baby's mid-to-lower back. Burping can take a long time for some babies, so keep that in mind.

Another way to do it is to "sit" the baby on your leg. With a burp cloth draped over one hand, support the baby's chest and front of neck (not AROUND her neck, mind you, but under her chin) and pat in the same place. (My son actually prefered burping this way).

Another option is to lay the baby on your legs, tummy down, and pat the baby's bottom.

Yes, I know some of these sound counter intuitive, but some babies just need a different position to burp. Just be sure to have a rag available (even a receiving blanket, T-shirt or onsie in a pinch) and watch for spit-up. Some spit-up is normal, but if it shoots right out of the baby, you might want to talk to your nurse. (That's just for future reference.)

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of breastfed babies don't burp "well" if they are latched on correctly because they will not be taking in air while they eat. It's still a good idea to try to burp after every meal.

Nearly every baby I've come in contact with has been "collicky" or gassy, but they couldn't pass it -- breastfed or not. You might want to check out a baby massage book from the library or buy one at the bookstore. The colic massage was a LIFESAVER for me. I nursed my son, but he just couldn't pass gas until I got that massage down pat and he would just toot away while I did it. It saved me many nights of up all night.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

A baby should be burped after about 2 to 4 oz. The best way to burp a baby is lay them on your shoulder, and pat lightly on the back until they expel the gas.

Answer 4

Yes, you should burp they baby after he eats. Gently pat him on the back, you can do this while he lays on your shoulder or lay him down on his tummy. Move your hand over the back patting gently, if you listen closely you can hear a sort of hollow sound where the air is trapped. Of course the lung area always sounds hollow. Practice makes perfect you'll be bringing out those burps in no time!

Answer 5

Yes, it's VERY important that you burp your baby after feeding them; otherwise, they get can painful gas. The first thing I'd recommend is to give your baby Mylicon (or a store-brand version of it) before the feeding. During feeding, trying burbing your baby after every ounce or two. Once he/she is a little older, you can reduce the number of burp sessions during a feeding. Make sure that you're feeding the baby upright, too; this will reduce the spitup. To burp, hold them upright and pat their back; rubbing their back a little can also coax a burp. You can also hold them up to you as if you're carrying them and burp the baby that way.

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

Burping a baby can reduce spitting up and relieve bloating caused by swallowed air. Here are some tried-and-true methods. You should always burp baby even if you have to wake her because she fell asleep while eating.

STEP 1: Put a clean towel, cloth diaper or receiving blanket over your shoulder or wherever your baby's head will rest.

STEP 2: Position the baby over one shoulder with his stomach against your chest and with his head resting on your shoulder.

STEP 3: Gently pat your baby on the back and rub it in a circular motion until he burps.

STEP 4: Try the 'bulldoggy burp.' Place one hand across the baby's chest, supporting his chin with your thumb and index finger. Lean your baby across that support hand and gently pat or rub his back with your free hand.

STEP 5: Opt for a 'lap burp.' Position yourself so that you can comfortably place the baby's head on one thigh and his stomach on the other. Using an upward and circular motion, gently pat the baby's back until he burps.

STEP 6: Try getting exercise while you walk and burp your baby. Stand up and place your arm under the baby's rib cage, with the baby's back to your chest. Walk around slowly, leaning the baby over your arm until he burps. And be patient: Sometimes burping takes several minutes.

Tips & Warnings
Never try to burp a baby while he is spitting up.

Don't worry if your baby spits up occasionally - what looks like a lot of liquid is probably no more than a teaspoon. Very frequent spitting up or projectile vomiting could signal a problem; contact your doctor.

Breast-fed babies tend to swallow less air than bottle-fed babies, so don't worry if your breast-fed baby rarely burps, as long as he seems comfortable.

If breast-feeding, burp the baby when you switch sides or finish feeding. If bottle-feeding, burp after every few ounces or whenever he seems uncomfortable.

Answer 7

Also, experiment with the way you're patting on the back. Some babies respond to slower, softer pats, while others need a harder pat, and still others need a faster rhythm.

If you don't help the baby burp, you could wind up with either a huge mess, or a very cranky baby!

Answer 8

Yeah, burp him. Put a receiving blanket or cloth diaper over your shoulder in case he spits up on you. Hold him so his tummy is on your chest, pat his back and within a few minutes he should burp. And you have to pat a lot harder than you think, too!

Answer 9

I usually burp my son while feeding him his bottle, I would put his head by my chest and pat his back lightly until he burped and then feed him a little more. and repeat until he was done eating. some lay their babies across their lap and pat. but I felt more comfortable the way I did it because I know I was supporting his head. good luck.

Answer 10

yes, hold your baby in a sitting position and rub their back until they burp or put the baby over your shoulder and rub their back. I burp my baby twice in between feedings. I breast feed her. Once she is done on the one side I burp her. Then she goes to the other side.